I’ve recently watched back-to-back episodes of the series Hoarders, and now, I am utterly compelled to write about it. First of all, I can’t even begin to imagine what it must be like to walk into a house that looks [or smells] like the ones on this show. I find myself shocked, horrified, and totally sucked in.

Each episode features different people afflicted with Hoarding. Hoarding is a mental disorder marked by an obsessive-compulsive need to collect things, even if the items are worthless, hazardous or unsanitary.

The series takes an interesting look at the lives of people whose inability to part with their belongings has become completely out of control. By the time the trained professionals arrive on the scene, these people have clearly surpassed what I would consider the Crisis Stage.

Some hoarding has gotten so bad people are facing eviction, divorce, jail time, and even the loss of their children. Take for instance, a woman named Augustine.

14 years ago, Jason was removed from his mother Augustine’s home by Child Protective Services because of her hoarding. She was never able to clean up enough to have him return. Now, as an adult living on the other side of the country, he is filled with shame and resentment, but unable to turn his back on her. Her hoarding has become so severe that she has lived without water, gas, heat or appliances for the last four years–bathing only once a week at her sister’s house. Complaints from neighbors have instigated a court ordered clean-up and she is now facing fines and the threat of jail time. The episode follows Jason as he tries one last time to rescue his mother from the filth he escaped from years ago.

What amazed me the most, aside from the condition of her house, was her total lack of emotions, and her seamless ability to place the blame on everyone else. I was blown away by her actions, and the fact that she had a kickass Flat Screen TV in the midst of absolute ciaos.

Sometimes while watching this show, I can literally feel my skin crawl. The astonishing amount of debris sends my own OCD need to make all things shiny – kick into overdrive. However, as much as I love to clean things, I would never be able to tackle the monumental task of dealing with this particular brand of dirty. When cleaning of that nature requires the use of rakes and shovels just to get a handle on over four thousand pounds of garbage, I think you should cut your losses and light a match.

On the other hand, I feel deeply for the families impacted by this affliction. The shame on the faces of the children who have grown up and subsequently moved away from the individual is upsetting at best. I can’t help but feel even worse for the children who are too young to do anything about the situation they are trapped living in.

Honestly?

You really have to see the show for yourself to fully grasp the intensity of the situation in which these people live.

If you haven’t seen the show, I highly suggest that you do.

It’s more than just an eye-opener.

I am totally engrossed with this remarkable series.

Here is a little video clip for your viewing pleasure. {just try not to *gag* while watching it}

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Brittany Murphy died on Sunday morning, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office has confirmed to Access Hollywood. She was 32. According to the Coroner’s Office, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Hollywood reported to them that an individual named Brittany Murphy died in the hospital on Sunday. A Cedars-Sinai spokesperson also confirmed to Access that the star was pronounced dead at their facility at 10:04 AM. A Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman told Access that they responded to a 911 call made from the 1800 block of N. Rising Glen Road — the same street where the actress lives — at 8 AM on Sunday.

A rep for the actress also confirmed the news, telling Access Hollywood, “In this time of sadness, the family thanks you for your love and support. It is their wish that you respect their privacy.” However, the star’s family later issued a statement of their own.

“The sudden loss of our beloved Brittany is a terrible tragedy,” they stated to Access. “She was our daughter, our wife, our love and a shining star. We ask you to respect our privacy at this time.”

The LAPD confirmed to Access on Sunday that they have opened an investigation into the star’s death. LA County Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter told Access at a press conference on Sunday evening that her death appeared to be from natural causes. Just weeks ago, a smiling Brittany spoke with Access at the Tt Collection Pop-Up Party in LA on December 3, where she discussed her hopes for the coming year.

“As far as having a New Year’s resolution, I’d love to have a child next year,” she said at the time. “But that’s kind of a large one!”

The actress also spoke of her love for her family, whom she said she was very close to.

“I’ve been very blessed to have a really great loving husband,” she said. “I spend more time with my family than anyone else in the world”

Brittany rose to fame after a memorable role in 1995’s “Clueless.” She went on to star in such films as “8 Mile,” “Just Married,” “Girl, Interrupted,” “Sin City” and “Riding In Cars With Boys,” among others.

She also made a splash in the music world with the track “Faster Kill Pussycat,” with Paul Oakenfold in 2006 – the track topped the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play Chart that year. She also sang a pair of songs for the animated film “Happy Feet,” in which she was also a voice actress.

Brittany was married to screenwriter Simon Monjack, whom she wed in May 2007.

Canadian comedian and actor Jon Lajoie is one of the few talents who has been able to manifest the cult following for his Internet videos into a mainstream audience, placing him in a preeminent spot in the comedy landscape.

Despite some crude subject matter, his surprisingly intelligent lyrics and well crafted songs chronicle everything from boring everyday activities to genitals. His videos have over 200 million aggregate views on YouTube and the web, with “Show Me Your Genitals ” nearing the benchmark of 20 million views on YouTube.

Now Lajoie’s back spreading some cheer with “Cold Blooded Christmas,” a song that will put a smile on everyone’s face during the holidays. Besides, we all love Christmas… except for people who don’t believe that Jesus was the son of God.